Multistore model of memory

Question 1

Sensory Register
Function:
Duration:

Answer 1

Function: The sensory register takes in information from the environment through sensory organs (e.g., eyes, ears, nose).
Duration: Information is held very briefly (less than a second).

Question 2

Sensory Register
Capacity:
Processing:

Answer 2

Capacity: Very large capacity as it takes in a lot of sensory information.

Processing: If attention is paid to the information, it is transferred to STM. If ignored, it decays quickly.

Question 3

Short-Term Memory (STM)
Function:
Duration:
Capacity:

Answer 3

Function: Holds information temporarily for immediate tasks.

Duration: Information lasts about 18–30 seconds without rehearsal.

Capacity: Limited to 7±2 items (Miller, 1956).

Question 4

Short-Term Memory (STM)
Maintenance Rehearsal:
Forgetting:

Answer 4

Maintenance Rehearsal: Repeating information keeps it in STM. If rehearsed enough, it transfers to LTM.

Forgetting: Information disappears through displacement or decay.

Question 5

Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Function:
Capacity:

Answer 5

Function: Stores information for an extended period of time, potentially a lifetime.

Capacity: Unlimited.

Question 6

Long-Term Memory (LTM)
Duration:
Retrieval:

Answer 6

Duration: Long-lasting, although retrieval may be difficult.

Retrieval: Information in LTM is transferred back to STM when needed.

Question 7

Maintenance Rehearsal

Answer 7

Rehearsal strengthens the transfer of information from STM to LTM. If rehearsal does not occur, the information is forgotten.

Question 8

Retrieval

Answer 8

Information is retrieved from LTM into STM for use.
Example: Remembering something when prompted shows the need for retrieval.